Emergency Orthodontic Treatment
Emergencies always come when you least expect them. Not only are they extremely troublesome, but they can cause fear and panic if you are unsure what to do about it.
The dreaded loose bracket, poking wire, misplaced appliances, or damaged appliances can be cumbersome and frustrating, if not painful.
We understand that orthodontic issues can arise unexpectedly, so we offer the best emergency orthodontic care services to ensure that we can quickly and safely get your smile back on track.
The competent team at Orthodontic Specialists P.A. of Lakeville, MN, is proud to offer the local community access to quality dental care services, including emergency orthodontic services so that you can rest assured that we will be there when you need us most.
What Qualifies as an Orthodontic Emergency?
Before deciding what an orthodontic emergency is, we understand that time is of the essence, especially if it looks like something severe has happened. Give the Orthodontic Specialists P.A. of Lakeville, MN, a call if you are unsure. It is always better to be safe than
Thankfully, not every orthodontic hiccup requires an emergency visit, but here are some situations where seeking immediate attention is best:
- Severe Pain: Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort from your braces or aligner is a cause for concern. This could be due to a loose bracket, a broken wire, or even an injury to your mouth.
- Poking Wire: A wire poking your cheek or lip can be irritating and even cause bleeding. Don’t try to fix it yourself! Visit us for a quick adjustment to get the wire smoothed or clipped.
- Loose Bracket or Band: A loose or damaged bracket or band can disrupt your treatment plan. We can assess the situation and re-bond the bracket or replace the band if necessary.
- Lost or Broken Retainer: Losing or breaking your retainer can be stressful. While a temporary fix might be possible at home in some cases (using a moldable material to hold the retainer in place), it’s crucial to schedule an appointment for a replacement retainer as soon as possible to avoid any setbacks in your treatment.
- Jaw Pain or Clicking: If you experience sudden jaw pain or clicking sounds while wearing braces, it’s important to get it checked immediately. This could indicate a more serious issue.
Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies
While emergencies can happen, there are ways to minimize the risk. We don’t want you to have to live in fear of dental emergency anxiety.
Here are some great tips that will severely reduce your risk of emergency. After all, it’s better to not have a problem in the first place than to need to fix it!
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing regularly is essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Yes, even if you have an appliance on, you still need to pay extra attention to your regular routine.
Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions
Carefully follow our orthodontist’s instructions regarding maintaining braces, aligners, headgear, or retainers. The instructions aren’t just recommendations. We provide them because we know they work!
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
Certain foods can damage your braces or aligners. Avoid unpopped kernels, hard candy, nuts, and anything else that proves too hard to crack. If unsure, stick to a soft diet if you have any concerns.
Wear Your Retainer as Instructed
Wearing your retainer as directed helps maintain your beautiful smile after completing your active treatment. It’s important to follow proper wearing instructions as they are there to help your teeth, and you can do so safely.
Your Trusted Expert Dental Clinic
You can never be fully prepared for an emergency, but you can equip yourself with the information necessary to deal with it when the time comes.
Orthodontic dental issues can arise unexpectedly, and our clinic is the one to call. Make sure that you reach out as soon as possible so that we can advise you on the best course of action.
Although we don’t look forward to the circumstances, we certainly can’t wait for the opportunity to make your life a little easier.
During your next appointment with the skilled team at Orthodontic Specialists P.A. of Lakeville, MN, you can be sure you are receiving the best possible care and guidance that you and your family deserve.
